John Bonnett

The drama of yesterday morning has now been firmly put behind us and today is another day and what a good one it has been too. We stayed last night in a superb hotel at Giverny 100 metres from Monet's Garden and with our pre-bought tickets we were first in ahead of the crowds. The garden had suffered as a result of the heavy rain but it was still magnificent, particularly the lily pond in the Japanese Garden. And so much atmosphere in the house. It really is a very nice place to visit. From there we've headed North on some wonderful pin straight real driving roads and all three cars were in their element. We stopped in Vermeuil for refreshment and to let them cool down.

The day didn't get off to the best of starts. Apart from the rain, when we came down to the hotel car park to leave we found that both the Gilbern and my car had suffered damage from careless drivers. The Gilbern had paint damage where a door had been opened onto it and my own had been side swiped by the car next to it who had reversed out of the space and turned too soon. Apart from damage to the paint the wing itself has been pushed in and the bonnet moved so that the door fouls it when opened. All a bit of a pain really. Other than that the day went well with a visit to Honfleur which is a very picturesque fishing port and then on to Chateau Gaillard and Giverny the home of Claude Monet.

Hello Nader, Just a couple of thoughts. I don't think it is ever a good idea to run without a thermostat. That will not help the cause. I think it might be possible that there is an airlock if the gauge is showing a very low coolant temperature. It does appear that you don't have any circulation. Is the radiator blocked? The engine must have been close to seizing through over heating so it is possible that damage could have been done to the head and the gasket as a result rather than being the primary problem..

Yes all very good thank you Clive. The weather so far has been glorious but so far, no cakes I didn't get to speak to the lady you mention but she was pointed out to me by the waitress and she is the granddaughter of the original owners who passed vital information to the allies. It is interesting that the glider training for the operation took place in Exeter where the canal bridge and its position more or less replicates Pegasus.

Another really nice day today; great weather, interesting places and some good driving. First off we drove to Pegasus Bridge and went in to the Cafe still owned by la famille Gondree who were actually there during the allied assault and the taking of the bridge which was vital to the success of the operation. How on earth our pilots managed to land troop carrying gliders on a postage stamp in the middle of the night beggers belief. The atmosphere and being there was very moving. We drove along the coast past the landing beaches to Arromanches where their is an incredible museum and thence to Bayeux to view the tapestry. That in itself was amazing; a thousand years old and has survived unscathed. The followed a really good drive up to the picturesque fishing town of Honfleur.

Indeed you are right Colin. Find a common interest and build on that. Well, we are now at Ouistreham and so far, all has gone pretty much to plan. We met up with the Gilbern at Wickham just outside Portsmouth and spent a very pleasant hour over a cup of coffee before driving on to Portsmouth and the ferry

It might be worth having a word with Webcom Paul and ask them how much of a problem and odd one might be. I've always found them very helpful and they certainly know their products. rgds John

It is your sort of trip Clive. Why aren't you coming?

Absolutely right Colin; Ford Essex. I've ridden in it and it is a very solidly built quality motor car. Pic attached. The 911 isn't joining us this time but Jerry and Judith are in their Mimosa MK3 GT6. Second pic. Now, I'm a bit worried about this Breton music you mention. Are you in to that Fez Noz stuff? It has a strong following down here in Devon and they even have Fez Noz nights in a village just outside Exeter. It is Celtic music and I guess very similar to traditional Irish folk music. As a musician I'm sure you'll put me right on that. Back to our trip. We are off tomorrow for a short drive to Dorchester stopping on the way for a cream tea. On Friday morning we continue to Portsmouth meeting up with Roger and Jan and the Gilbern mid morning for a coffee break. this will be the accent of the trip. Short drives and plenty of stops.